Temperatures continue their trend upward

finger lakes weather forecast tuesday march 9 2021 sunny warming up
Temperatures will warm a bit more today but the warmest air will move in for Wednesday and Thursday. [Photo by Mark Anbinder]

Warming Up

Temperatures will take another step forward today as we draw closer to the peak days of the first significant taste of Spring.

Skies are sunny across the region this morning and will remain as such throughout the day. A subtle cold front moved through the region early this morning, but temperatures will still be warmer today than yesterday.

A steady but gentle northwest wind behind the front will keep temperatures from reaching their full potential today, though. But the core of the cold air aloft behind the front will stay to our northeast.

Temperatures will range through the 40s today with several areas likely to hit 50 degrees. This includes the I-90 corridor west of Cayuga County, the Southern Tier along I-88, the I-390 corridor, and areas around Keuka and Seneca Lake.

On the flip side, mid or even low 40s will be more likely near the shore of Lake Ontario and in the higher terrain east of Cayuga Lake. Still, considering some of these areas were around 0 degrees yesterday morning, this is a significant jump upwards.

Winds will swing around to the south and southeast this evening and increase slightly in speed. Overnight temperatures should mostly be near or above 30 degrees, except for some pockets of 20s east of Cayuga Lake.

Sunny skies will continue through Wednesday morning, but a deck of thin overcast will build in for Wednesday afternoon. Partial sunshine will filter through these clouds.

Steady south winds around 10 mph will blow throughout Wednesday, pushing temperatures into the upper 50s and low 60s. As usual, the Rochester area will be warmest and could push past 65 degrees, while the higher terrain of Central New York may stick closer to the mid 50s.

The wind will continue Wednesday night with partly cloudy skies. Temperatures will remain in the 40s, getting us off to a fast start for Thursday.

A few scattered rain showers will be possible Thursday, but there should be sunshine between the showers. Winds will turn a bit more southwesterly and increase slightly. Temperatures will continue to rise, reaching their peak of this warm spell.

Widespread low and mid 60s are likely throughout the Finger Lakes. Even the higher elevations should reach 60 degrees. The Rochester area may reach the upper 60s.

finger lakes weather 7-day forecast Tuesday march 9 2021
This graphic represents an average over the entire Finger Lakes region. Localized variations should be expected. Click to enlarge.

Warmth Retreats

Rain showers will increase Thursday night as a cold front moves through the region. The rain should remain scattered and rainfall amounts will be low.

By Friday morning, the sun should be returning with winds lightly coming from the west. Cold air will not fully move in behind the front though, and Friday should still be plenty pleasant. Most areas should see afternoon temperatures in the mid 50s.

Winds will turn to the northwest and substantially increase Friday night with gusts to 40 mph. These winds will persist into early Saturday before gradually diminishing.

Colder air will finally move back into the region with highs in the mid to perhaps upper 30s. The air will be dry though, so sunny skies are expected.

Another front will approach the region early Sunday, leading to morning highs near 40. Winds will whip back up behind the front for the afternoon, with north-northwest gusts over 40 mph. Temperatures will fall back through the 30s and into the 20s by Sunday evening.

There will be a couple weather systems to monitor next week, but overall the pattern does not look too active. Temperatures should remain in the upper 30s and 40s, though some briefly warmer temperatures may be possible.

Snow cannot be ruled out over the next 1-2 weeks, but chances look low at this time.

More Information:

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finger lakes weather 7-day forecast Tuesday march 9 2021
This graphic represents an average over the entire Finger Lakes region. Localized variations should be expected.

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Follow Meteorologist Drew Montreuil:
Meteorologist Drew Montreuil has been forecasting the weather in the Finger Lakes region since 2006 and has degrees in meteorology from SUNY Oswego (B.S. with Honors) and Cornell (M.S.). Drew and his wife have four young boys. When not working or playing with the boys, he is probably out for a run through the countryside.